Russian Radar Can Still See the $4.4 Billion Invisible Zumwalt

The 'invisible' American Zumwalt broke down after water got into the lubrication system. In addition, this giant, created as invisible, couldn't evade Russian and Chinese radar.

The newest U.S. Navy destroyer Zumwalt was not only one of the most expensive in history, but also the most inefficient. New faults were found in its design, reports USNI News. The lubrication system is not working, responsible for the maintenance of the propeller shaft of the ship. It has taken in water, when the destroyer went to sea at the naval base in Norfolk during the current stage of testing. Repairs are expected to take no less than two weeks. Zumwalt was launched in 2013. Its construction cost the U.S. tax payers $4.4 billion dollars. The 'highlight' of the project is that almost all the ship's systems are driven by electricity, and internal combustion engines are only needed to produce the current. That is, any leak becomes mortally dangerous, both for the ship and crew. Because of the unusual shape and the use of radio-silencing material the USS Zumwalt is able to be invisible to radar. However, this invisibility has played a cruel joke with the Americans. As soon as the ship first went to sea, complaints from alarmed merchant ships poured in. Their radar saw "just a fishing boat," and when the destroyer was in sight, they were forced to urgently scramble to change course.

And one more detail: the destroyer was invisible for everyone, except for the Russian and Chinese radars. They operate on a different frequency and can see Zumwalt very clearly, even despite the fact that it cost $4.4 billion.The Navy has not yet received the ship officially. The transfer is expected in 2016, apparently, only the problems are fixed. Follow us on Facebook! Follow us on Twitter! Donate!